Saturday, August 9, 2008

A Day Trip to Deer Isle

August is getting away from me! So much has been happening at the inn and in the area. Matt and Don have been making the best breakfasts. My current favorite is the Cinnamon Raisin French Toast, made with bread from Jill Smith at Millbrook Bakery. Luckily it's not on the menu every morning! (Jill has a booth at the farmer's market on Saturdays. Beware the pecan sticky buns!) Here's a picture of Matt in the kitchen at the inn in the early hours, preparing fruit plates.

In the meantime, guests are so enjoying the Nervous Nellie's Jams and Jellies that we serve with breakfast and with hors d'oeuvres, I had to make a quick trip to Deer Isle to replenish stocks. I took Julie Jo Fehrle with me because, although she has lived in Blue Hill forever, she hadn't seen the wonders of Peter Beerits sculpture or gotten to sample one of the seventeen flavors Nervous Nellie offers. Lucky for me, I can hand the camera to her. Any trip to Deer Isle and Stonington ought to include a visit to Jill Hoy's gallery. Her work is in a big barn just up the hill from the harbor in Stonington. A minute ago we were celebrating early spring and now the gardens have that August feel to them.

For lunch, a great option is El El Frijoles, a fabulous Mexican restaurant and art gallery just waiting to transport you to Mexico. Michael and his crew do an amazing job with favorites like fish tacos and empanadas. You must try the corn salsa! In the winter they put on supper clubs, often giving a Mexican twist to another nationality. You have to be on the secret guest list or you'll never get in. Go here to get on.

We had another couple get engaged!!! We had been brought in on the secret with the question, "If the weather isn't good for watching the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, where would be another great place to propose?" Luckily, the weather held, Debbie said yes and you can see their glow from across the peninsula. Poor Debbie was asking, "What kind of vacation is this? We have to get up how early?" but she agreed it was all worth it.

Another sweet story from the inn involves Brian, who must be up for the best son ever award. He called to say his parents were coming to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. He wanted to help make their stay special. Dan of Dan's Flower Farm brought in a gorgeous bouquet and Brian ordered a fun box full of memorabilia. The couple's room looked great and Brian did a great job keeping the surprise. They were tickled.

The Blue Hill Fair is coming right up over Labor Day and we're starting to hammer out the details for our big wine festival in October. If you haven't done something really summery yet--like walking barefoot in the soft grass--get on it!